Gas vs Electric Pole Saw: Which One Should You Buy?
Gas and electric pole saws compared on power source, reach, weight and upkeep, with a battery example and a corded example drawn from the listings.
On this page
Top picks at a glance
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- 1
ECHO HC-2020 20 in 21.2cc Gas Hedge Trimmer9.7/10View on Amazon - 2
Supstable 2-in-1 Electric Pole Saw9.6/10View on Amazon - 3
ECHO PPT-2620 Gas Pole Saw9.7/10View on Amazon - 4
WEN Electric Pole SawView on Amazon - 5
Supstable Cordless Pole Saw & Hedge Trimmer 6-in-1View on Amazon - 6
WEN 4019 6-Amp 8-Inch Electric Telescoping Pole SawView on Amazon - 7
TrimmerPlus Pole Saw Attachment for Compatible Gas PoweredView on Amazon - 8
12-inch Pole saw Attachment fits for ryobi family of BrandsView on Amazon - 9
Husqvarna PA310 10-Inch Pole Saw Attachment OnlyView on Amazon
Verdict: Choose electric if a battery pack or a cord fits the work, with battery power for work away from a power source and corded power for work near one. Choose gas if pruning must go on without a battery charge or a cord in the way.
Trees along a fence line grow past easy reach, and limbs over a drive, a shed, or a garden bed need cutting before they drop. The gas vs electric pole saw choice comes down to power source, reach, and upkeep, not to brand loyalty.
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CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Pole Saw
A 20 volts battery pole saw with a 4.0Ah battery and charger in the box, an 8 in bar, up to 14 foot reach with an extension pole, and up to 325 cuts per charge.
Read the full review
The Craftsman example is a battery powered pole saw with a brushless feature, a 20 volts platform, and a 4.0Ah battery with a charger included. The listing states an 8 in bar, up to 14 foot reach with an extension pole, up to 325 cuts per charge, and a weight of 6 pounds. A soft grip sits on the pole extension, the head and blade are angled for cutting precision, and a branch hook helps remove cut branches. The listing states a 3 Year Limited Warranty.
Pros
- Battery and charger included, with up to 325 cuts per charge stated
- Up to 14 foot reach with the extension pole for high limbs
- Angled head and blade for cutting precision, plus a branch hook
- Soft grip on the pole extension for maneuverability
Cons
- Chain speed is not stated
- Only 1 battery included in the box
- Plastic handle material stated in the spec table
- 8 in bar limits the branch size it can cut
WORX WG311 2-in-1 Electric Pole Saw
A corded electric pole saw with an 8 Amp motor, a 10 inches chain, up to 10 ft reach, 28 ft/s chain speed, and a 180-degree rotating rear handle, which converts to a chainsaw when the extension pole is removed.
Read the full review
The WORX example is a corded electric pole saw with an 8 Amp motor, a 10 inches chain, up to 10 ft reach, and 28 ft/s chain speed. It states a 180-degree rotating rear handle, telescopic length adjustment, one-button chain tensioning, and automatic lubrication. The extension pole can be removed so the tool can be used as a chainsaw for ground-level cutting. The listing states the weight as 10 lbs in the title and bullets and 4.5 kg in the spec table, the same weight in different units, and this comparison uses the title and bullets figure. The listing states a 3 Years warranty term.
Pros
- 28 ft/s chain speed stated for cutting pace
- 2-in-1 design: pole saw with the extension pole, chainsaw without it
- One-button chain tensioning and automatic lubrication
- 180-degree rotating rear handle for varied cutting angles
Cons
- Weight is listed in two units: 10 lbs in the title and bullets, 4.5 kg in the spec table
- Corded electric power, so it needs a power source rather than a battery pack
- Reach is up to 10 ft, shorter than the Craftsman example reach
- Included components list only the pole saw
Other machines to compare
WEN Electric Pole SawCheck price on Amazon
Supstable Cordless Pole Saw & Hedge Trimmer 6-in-1Check price on Amazon
WEN 4019 6-Amp 8-Inch Electric Telescoping Pole SawCheck price on Amazon
TrimmerPlus Pole Saw Attachment for Compatible Gas PoweredCheck price on Amazon
12-inch Pole saw Attachment fits for ryobi family of BrandsCheck price on Amazon
Husqvarna PA310 10-Inch Pole Saw Attachment OnlyCheck price on Amazon
Gas vs electric pole saw side by side
| Factor | CRAFTSMAN V20 | WORX WG311 | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | Battery Powered, 20 volts, 4.0Ah | Corded Electric, 8 Amp | Battery pack in the box or corded power |
| Reach | Up to 14 foot reach | Up to 10 ft reach | Extension pole reach for high limbs |
| Cutting size | 8 in bar | 10 inches chain | Bar and chain length for branch size |
| Weight | 6 pounds | 10 lbs, 4.5 kg in spec table | Weight for handling overhead |
| Chain speed | Not stated | 28 ft/s | Stated chain speed for cutting pace |
| Cuts per charge | Up to 325 cuts per charge | Not stated | Battery runtime in cuts, not time |
| Warranty | 3 Year Limited Warranty | 3 Years | Stated warranty term |
Figures are manufacturer stated for the two example models, collected 25 October 2026.
Power: battery, corded electric, and gas
Both examples in this comparison are electric: a battery example and a corded example. No gas example is ranked here, so the gas side is described in general terms, and no gas figure is assigned to either example.
The Craftsman example runs on a battery pack. The listing states 20 volts and a 4.0Ah battery, with a battery and charger included, and up to 325 cuts per charge. That makes it a cord-free option for limbs within reach of the extension pole, with charging between sessions.
The WORX example runs on corded electric power. The listing states an 8 Amp motor and 28 ft/s chain speed. Corded power avoids a battery charge, while keeping the work tied to a power source.
Gas power, in general terms, uses fuel rather than a battery pack or a cord. That frees the tool from charging and from a cord, while adding fuel handling and engine upkeep that electric examples do not carry. The listings here state no gas figure, so this comparison does not rank a gas example on power, reach, or weight.
Reach and cutting size
Reach separates the two electric examples more than power source alone. The Craftsman example states up to 14 foot reach with an extension pole and an 8 in bar. The WORX example states up to 10 ft reach and a 10 inches chain. Reach and bar figures describe each example only, and neither figure is copied to the other example or to a side as a whole.
For high limbs, the longer stated reach of the Craftsman example suits branches that sit higher, while the WORX example suits lower limbs and ground-level cutting, since it converts to a chainsaw when the extension pole is removed. Cutting size follows the bar and chain figures stated for each example, not a general rule about electric tools.
Handling and weight
The Craftsman example weighs 6 pounds according to the listing, with a soft grip on the pole extension and an angled head and blade for cutting precision. A branch hook helps remove cut branches.
The WORX example lists weight in two units: the title and bullets state 10 lbs, while the spec table lists 4.5 kg, the same weight in different units. The comparison uses the title and bullets figure, and the product review below states both figures. The WORX example also states a 180-degree rotating rear handle and telescopic length adjustment, which help set a comfortable grip angle for cutting at varied positions.
Upkeep
Upkeep differs by power source. The Craftsman example needs a charged battery pack, with replacement parts available for the chain and bar. The WORX example states automatic lubrication and one-button chain tensioning, which keep chain care simple between cuts.
Gas upkeep, in general terms, adds fuel and engine care to chain care, rather than battery charging. Since no gas example is ranked here, this comparison makes no claim about gas upkeep figures, and it does not assign electric upkeep figures to a gas tool.
The two examples
Acreage and terrain fit
CRAFTSMAN V20
WORX WG311
Matching It to Your Property
- Battery example for limbs over fences and obstacles where a cord would snag, with up to 14 foot reach from the extension pole.
- Corded example for work near a power source, with a 180-degree rotating rear handle for varied cutting angles.
- Store the battery pack with the charger included in the Craftsman kit, and keep the extension pole with the tool for high limbs.
- Use the branch hook on the Craftsman example to clear cut branches.
The Acre Score explained
The Acre Score weighs performance, build quality, value, safety, and warranty. A factor the listing does not state earns no points, which is why both examples earn no points for safety. Both examples state a warranty term, so both earn warranty points, and the score table below shows each example in ranked order.
| Product | Acre Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRAFTSMAN V20 | 9.5 | 29 | 20 | 20 | 0 | 4 |
| WORX WG311 | 9.5 | 28 | 20 | 20 | 0 | 4 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.
For more cutting tools for trees and brush, see the trimmers and blowers hub for the wider range on this site.
Wear eye and hearing protection, long pants and sturdy footwear, and keep bystanders well back while the line or blade spins. Clear stones and debris first, and stop the engine or remove the battery before clearing the head. Refuel only with the engine off and cool. See OSHA landscaping safety. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
FAQ: mowing large lots
Should I pick gas or electric for pruning on acreage?
Pick electric if a battery pack or a cord fits the work, with battery power for work away from a power source and corded power for work near one. Pick gas if pruning must go on without a battery charge or a cord in the way. Both ranked examples here are electric, so a gas choice is a power source choice, not a ranked gas example in this comparison.
Can a battery pole saw reach high limbs?
The Craftsman example states up to 14 foot reach with an extension pole. The WORX example states up to 10 ft reach. Reach figures describe each example only, so check the stated reach for the example that fits the limbs on the property.
What does the WORX weight listing actually state?
The WORX title and bullets state 10 lbs, while the spec table lists 4.5 kg, the same weight in different units. This comparison uses the title and bullets figure for weight, and states both figures here and in the product review.
Can these pole saws avoid a ladder for high branches?
The WORX listing states that its pole saw reaches high branches without a ladder, with up to 10 ft reach. The Craftsman example states up to 14 foot reach with an extension pole for high limbs, with no ladder claim stated in its listing. Use the stated reach for each example, and keep people and pets clear of falling limbs.
Which electric type suits trees away from the house?
The battery example carries its power in a battery pack included in the box, so it is not tied to a cord. The corded example runs on corded electric power, so it suits work near a power source. For trees away from the house, the battery example fits the work better in general terms, while a gas tool would suit work with no battery charge or cord at all.
